Startup Days

Startup Days is a large camp for Evangelical Students (EO) that brings together participants from across Finland. The programme includes shared teaching sessions on faith and the Bible, small group activities, music, evening entertainment, and opportunities for quiet reflection.

The camp is held at Karku Evangelical Institute in Sastamala, along the Tampere-Pori railway line. You can travel by train or by car - train passengers will be guided from Karku railway station to the institute. Note: the Friday train to Karku at 16.44 and the Sunday return train to Tampere at 15.10 may fill up quickly, so tickets should be booked in advance.

During the weekend there are opportunities for confidential conversations and prayer gatherings with camp staff and mentors. A prayer service is held on Saturday evening, and a prayer room is available throughout the weekend.

Programme Friday 25.9.
17.00-18.00 Dinner
18.00-19.15 Invited guests gather - Veera & Miika Rämö, Kokkola EO's houseband, Emil Paananen
19.30-20.30 There's still room! - Leena Ylimäki
20.30-21.30 Evening snack
21.30-22.00 Shared singing
22.00 Evening activities: group games, boat trip to an island, siikkarijamit, speed-friending, prayer gatherings, board game class, saunas and sausage grilling, socialising by the beach

Programme Saturday 26.9.
8.00-8.15 Morning swim - Väinö Kortelahti
8.00-9.00 Breakfast
9.00 Morning service - Lyydia Virrankoski
The purpose of suffering - Biblical perspectives - Timo Nisula
10.30 Channels: The purpose of suffering (continuation) - Timo Nisula in the hall

What to bring
Sheets and towel, swimming and bathing gear, outdoor clothing, wool socks, Bible, sports clothes and a headlamp or torch for the boat trip. Extra warm clothing for the beach service, evening socialising outdoors and EO competition on the institute grounds. If you wish, you can bring board games or a musical instrument.

Prices (with your own sheets, students)
- 2 beds, shared shower/toilet: 80 €
- 1 bed, shared shower/toilet: 120 €
- More comfortable 2 beds, own toilet and shower: 100 €
- More comfortable 1 bed, own toilet and shower: 140 €